Nuclear Fission Generates Some of Our Electricity

Nuclear fission involves the splitting apart of large atomic nuclei. Nuclear fusion involves the coming together of small nuclei. 

Percentage of electricity generated from nuclear fission reactors in selected countries. 

Yucca Mountain in Nevada is a promising site for a permanent repository for nuclear wastes. Exploratory tunnels have already been drilled, and extensive tests are underway. 

Countries turning to nuclear fission energy have decreased their dependence on fossil fuels and have diminished their output of carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, heavy metals, airborne particulates, and other pollutants. Money that would have been spent on foreign oil payments has been saved. It is estimated, for example, that nuclear fission energy has saved the United States 150 billion in foreign oil payments. 

In the United States, however, the public perception of nuclear energy is less than favorable. There are formidable disadvantages, including the creation of radioactive wastes and the possibility of an accident that releases radioactive substances into the environment. In rebuttal, advocates point out that we cannot insist that nuclear fission energy be absolutely safe while at the same time accept tanker spills, global warming, acid rain, and coal-miner diseases. 

Pakistan 31 China Brazil 31 India 3] Mexico South Africa / Argentina 3Z Russia Canada 3 I United States 3Z Taiwan 331 United Kingdom 

Spain Germany South Korea Japan Switzerland 

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